KCBO(2025) - Outdoor-Pursuits

October 2–4, 2026 | Mount Vernon, Ohio

Get ready to shift gears and celebrate the best of autumn at Knox County Biketoberfest (KCBO)! Spend the weekend riding scenic roads and trails, enjoying spectacular fall colors, and experiencing the welcoming communities of Knox County.

Your day doesn’t end when the ride is over. Weekend and Saturday registrations include admission to the Knox County Chamber of Commerce’s Kegs & Corks Craft Beer & Wine Festival on Saturday evening. Enjoy Ohio craft beer, wine, local food, live music, and one of Mount Vernon’s premier fall events—all at beautiful Ariel-Foundation Park, just steps from KCBO headquarters.

Jim Buchwald & Ed Honton Memorial Trail Routes

As a key stop along the Ohio to Erie Trail, Mount Vernon offers access to some of the most beautiful rail trails in the state. KCBO features fully supported trail routes that showcase these award-winning pathways.

Saturday – Jim Buchwald Memorial Route: Ride the scenic Kokosing Gap Trail from Mount Vernon to Glenmont and back, with route options up to 55 miles.
Sunday – Ed Honton Memorial Route: Explore the Heart of Ohio Trail from Mount Vernon toward Sunbury, with route options up to 50 miles.

Whether you choose the trails or our scenic road routes, you’ll experience outstanding support, beautiful fall scenery, and the camaraderie that makes KCBO a favorite end-of-season cycling event.

Ride with a Purpose

KCBO is presented by Outdoor Pursuits, with proceeds supporting our Bicycle Development Fund. Through this fund, Outdoor Pursuits has contributed more than $1 million toward bicycle infrastructure, including the Ohio to Erie Trail, as well as cycling advocacy, education, and awareness initiatives throughout Ohio.

When you ride KCBO, you’re helping build a better future for cycling across the state.

Join Us on Ride with GPS

Follow KCBO on Ride with GPS to access event routes, navigation, and ride updates.

Our routes are currently being finalized as our team completes route marking. They’ll be published in the event as soon as they’re ready.

Join the KCBO Ride with GPS Event:

https://ridewithgps.com/events/483563-knox-county-biketoberfest-kcbo-2026

All routes will be fully marked on the road, and printed maps and cue sheets will also be available at the event, so you can ride with confidence using the navigation method you prefer.

Friday • October 2

Welcome to Knox County Biketoberfest

2:00–4:00 PM – Mount Vernon Welcome Ride
- Self-guided trail and street ride
- 15-mile route with an optional family-friendly 8-mile route on the Kokosing Gap Trail
3:00–8:00 PM – Rider Check-In & Camp Opens
- Urton Clockhouse, Ariel-Foundation Park
4:00–6:00 PM – Kick-Off Party
- Live music
- Food truck
- Welcome gathering at Happy Street Brü Werks
Evening entertainment throughout Mount Vernon, including local live music and community events.

Saturday • October 3

Ride Day and Kegs + Corks

7:00–9:00 AM – Registration & Breakfast
- Pancake breakfast and coffee at Ariel-Foundation Park
8:00 AM – Welcome Ceremony & Group Photo
8:00 AM–4:00 PM – Supported Trail & Road Routes
- Buchwald Memorial Trail Route (Kokosing Gap Trail)
- Knox County Bicycle Challenge road routes through Amish Country
1:00–3:00 PM – Lunch Stop in Danville
4:00 PM – Kegs + Corks VIP Entry
5:00–8:30 PM – Kegs + Corks General Admission
- Craft beer & wine tasting
- Regional breweries and wineries
- Food trucks
- Live music at the Schnormeier Event Center, Ariel-Foundation Park (last call at 8:00 PM).

Sunday • October 4

Final Ride Day, Junction Moto Show and Food Truck Festival

7:00–9:00 AM – Registration
8:00 AM – Morning Welcome
8:00 AM–4:00 PM – Supported Trail & Road Routes
- Ed Honton Memorial Route on the Heart of Ohio Trail
- Scenic road routes through Fredericktown and Ankenytown
11:00 AM–6:00 PM – Junction Moto Show & Food Truck Festival
- Downtown Mount Vernon Public Square
- Live music
- Food trucks
- Vintage & custom motorcycles
- Free community festival

About Knox County Biketoberfest

October 2–4, 2026 • Mount Vernon, Ohio

Celebrate the best of autumn with a weekend of cycling, community, and local flavor at Knox County Biketoberfest (KCBO). Whether you’re looking for a challenging ride, a relaxed trail adventure, or simply a fun fall getaway, KCBO brings together great riding and one of Ohio’s most vibrant festival weekends.

Ohio to Erie Trail

Enjoy miles of traffic-free riding on the beautiful Ohio to Erie Trail and Kokosing Gap Trail. These routes are perfect for riders of all experience levels and showcase some of the best rail trails in Ohio.

Scenic Road Routes

Prefer the open road? Choose from thoughtfully designed road routes that wind through Knox County’s rolling hills, picturesque farmland, historic villages, and Amish countryside. Whether you’re after a leisurely ride or a longer challenge, there’s a route for you.

More Than a Bike Ride

Your KCBO experience doesn’t end when you roll back into camp.

Weekend and Saturday riders receive admission to the Knox County Chamber of Commerce’s Kegs & Corks Craft Beer & Wine Festival on Saturday evening, featuring Ohio wineries, craft breweries, local food, live music, and a festive atmosphere at Ariel-Foundation Park.

Throughout the weekend, you’ll also enjoy local entertainment, downtown shopping and dining, community events, and the welcoming hospitality that makes Mount Vernon a favorite cycling destination.

Explore Mount Vernon

Ariel-Foundation Park

KCBO headquarters is located at the award-winning Ariel-Foundation Park, offering lakes, walking trails, historic industrial ruins, camping, and plenty of space to relax after your ride. It’s the perfect home base for a fall cycling weekend.

Historic Downtown Mount Vernon

Just minutes from camp, downtown Mount Vernon offers locally owned restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, boutiques, and historic architecture. Spend your evenings exploring the community, enjoying live entertainment, or relaxing with fellow riders after a day on the bike.

What's Included

Paints arrows on the roads to guide you.
Provides sites for basic tent camping.
Provides showers(available Sat and Sun), porta-potties, and some indoor restrooms in camp.
Provides secure parking for the weekend.
Provides a souvenir KCBO patch.
Provides rest stops with snacks and fluids on the route.
Post ride entertainment.
Provides route maps that you can download on your GPS.
Provides a Charging Station to top off your devices and E-Bike batteries.

What your registration fee does not cover:

Merchandise (T-shirts, jerseys, etc.).
Showers are NOT available for FRIDAY early check-in.
Bike repair services.
Ambulance transport.
Entrance fees to attractions.
Additional costs include trailer/RV passes and any lodging other than tenting.

Packet Pickup and Start Logistics

Packet Pickup and Start Logistics

The Urton Clock House in the heart of Ariel Foundation Park is the headquarters for KCBO

10 Pittsburgh Ave, Mt Vernon, OH 43050

Packet Pickup:

Friday Evening (3:00 PM – 8:00 PM) *NO shower available in camp on Friday
Saturday Morning (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM)
Sunday Morning (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM)

Weekend Parking: Secure daytime & overnight parking is available at Ariel Foundation Park.

Please arrive early to allow enough time for parking, packet pickup, and any last-minute preparations.

Camping & Lodging Options

Camping & Lodging Options

Camp Rules: Click Here for our Camp Rules

Tent Camping – in Ariel Foundation Park, 10 Pittsburgh Ave, Mt Vernon, OH is included in KCBO Registration. Space is limited to 100 tent sites. You must reserve your tent space during registration proccess. Camp set-up and early check in will be available beginning Friday 3pm – 8pm.

Vehicle & RV Camping

To help improve parking, expand tent camping, and better support event operations, vehicle and RV camping will not be available at KCBO 2026.

All overnight camping is limited to tent camping only within the designated campground at Ariel-Foundation Park. If you plan to stay in an RV, camper van, or other vehicle, we encourage you to make arrangements at one of the nearby private campgrounds or RV parks in the Mount Vernon area.

Thank you for your understanding as we continue to improve the KCBO experience for all participants.

Lodging Options

Whether you prefer a hotel or a nearby campground, Mount Vernon offers several great accommodations just minutes from KCBO at Ariel-Foundation Park.

Recommended Hotel

Mount Vernon Inn (Official KCBO Recommended Hotel)
Comfortable accommodations, convenient location, and just a short drive from Ariel-Foundation Park.

Other Nearby Hotels

Comfort Inn Mount Vernon – 150 Howard St, Mount Vernon, OH 43050 (approximately 1 mile from Ariel-Foundation Park)
The Mount Vernon Grand Hotel – 12 Public Square, Mount Vernon, OH 43050 (approximately 1 mile from Ariel-Foundation Park)

Nearby Campground

Rustic Knolls Campground & Cabins
8664 Keys Rd, Mount Vernon, OH 43050

No matter your travel style, you’ll find a comfortable place to stay while enjoying everything KCBO and Mount Vernon have to offer. We recommend booking early, as October is a popular time to visit during the fall color season.

Kegs + Corks Craft Beer & Wine Festival – Included with Your KCBO Registration

Your KCBO Weekend Experience and Saturday registrations include admission to the Kegs + Corks Craft Beer & Wine Festival, presented by the Knox County Chamber of Commerce.

After a full day on the bike, relax with fellow riders and the Mount Vernon community at one of the region’s premier fall festivals. Enjoy Ohio craft beer and wine, local food vendors, live music, and a vibrant atmosphere inside the beautiful Schnormeier Event Center at Ariel-Foundation Park.

Festival Details

Location: Schnormeier Event Center, Ariel-Foundation Park
201 S. Norton Street, Mount Vernon, Ohio
Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
VIP Admission: 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Last call at 8:00 PM)
General Admission: 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Last call at 8:00 PM)

Whether you’re celebrating a personal best, catching up with riding friends, or simply soaking in the fall atmosphere, Kegs + Corks is the perfect way to cap off an unforgettable Saturday at Knox County Biketoberfest.

Registration Pricing

Weekend Experience

Includes Saturday admission to the Kegs & Corks Craft Beer & Wine Festival.

Outdoor Pursuits Member: $155
Standard: $175

Day-of Registration (October 2–3): Add $20 to the above rates, if space is available.

Saturday Experience